February 3, 2009

Perseverance: Withstanding the Flames of the World

Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." I think this is still good advice today.

Yes, our economy is not what it once was, but then neither are we. Bank failures, corporate lay-offs, plummeting home values, rampant foreclosures and increased food prices have forced us to re-evaluate our lifestyles and priorities. As a nation, we will survive the flames which seek to destroy us.

Avarice, greed and lust seem to have a stronghold in the lives and hearts of some, but their actions must not destroy our hope or future. It has been said that hard times are ahead. Some of us are feeling those hard times now, but we must refuse to give up despite the forecasted difficult days ahead.

Hard times reveal the person you really are–your character. Have your dreams turned to dust? No problem. An unknown author wrote, "When your dreams turn to dust, vacuum." Start over! You can do it regardless of your circumstances. After vacuuming, dust yourself off, determine a new course of action, pursue your goal(s), and don’t give in to rejection–persevere.

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail," wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. In other words, acknowledge failure but don’t let it bind you. Rise up, learn from your failure, revise your plans and continue your pursuit. Persevere.

Remember: "When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’" Let this unknown author’s words encourage you daily.